Love is the greatest commandment the Lord gives us. We are to love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and souls; and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:27). The Bible says; “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Love is a condition of a person’s heart that will come forth through their actions. If love is in a person’s heart then good will come forth from them. If love is not in their heart then wickedness will come forth from them. For example if you love a person in Christ, in the pure way He directs us to in His word, then you will be happy for their successes and achievements the same way you would want them to be happy for you. One of the biggest problems that arises and damages friendships and other relationships in life is when envy and jealousy goes unchecked in a person’s heart. Those who allow this sin to take root in their heart, especially against loved ones with whom they should be the most supportive of, will burn bridges in life and lose out on love. Feelings of envy and jealousy towards other people come from deep-rooted issues in a person’s heart. These issues should be addressed immediately otherwise the feelings of envy and jealousy can end up becoming “a run-away train” in a person’s heart, and end up ruining the person’s opportunities for success in their own life and relationships. If an individual is always focusing on what others have, rather than what they can personally achieve, they will not be properly or effectively building their own life.
The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each person. Knowing who we are in Christ Jesus is the key to discovering that plan and succeeding at it. When we identify our gifts and talents, understand how much the Lord loves us, and learn His plan and purpose for our lives; then there is no need to feel envious, jealous, or resentful over what other people have achieved in life. Life is not a pie where people must scramble and fight to get the biggest piece. This may be what the world teaches us, but this is not what the Word of God declares to us. The Bible says; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). This means that the Lord has a plan for each person; and that plan includes success, safety, and the expectation of a long and enjoyable life. It is up to each person to receive the Lord Jesus into their heart, obey His commandments, and follow the plan of God for their lives. This takes place through surrender and obedience to Christ Jesus on a daily basis. The Bible also shares with us that; “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). This means that if He is working miracles in another person’s life, and bringing forth good for them; He can and will do this for you too, just as long as you give Him access to your heart and life.
To receive something positive in life we must; keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, put forth the effort to attain it, and allow a work of humility and integrity to be done in our hearts. This work will position us to carry the blessings God has for us. Many people want the blessings that the Lord gives without paying the price of obedience and perseverance, which are necessary in order to receive God’s gifts. The Bible teaches that we owe no man but to love them (Romans 13:8). Meaning we must love people. This is our commandment from God. One cannot walk around with an attitude that the world owes them and God owes them. When a person walks out their life with this attitude, they will never take the initiative to serve the Lord, or put forth the work to receive positive accomplishments in life.
We would like to encourage you to examine your heart this day, give access to the Holy Spirit to reveal the attitudes and conditions of your heart that need adjusting, and humble yourself before the Lord in repentance. Ask the Lord to help you to love as He has commanded in His Word. Remember the Lord loves you and He has a plan and purpose for your life. You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I welcome You into my heart to be the Lord of my life. I ask that You would forgive me for envy and jealousy, and I ask that You would show me Your plan for my life. Help me to love as You command in Your Word, and I thank You for Your love towards me.
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen
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